Rishikesh is situated in the Dehradun
region of Uttaranchal. It abounds in natural splendour.
The spectacle of the Ganga rushing through the Himalayan
foothills is an awesome sight. Several temples mark the banks
of the Ganga at Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is located at a height of about
1360 feet above sea level. It is believed that several yogis
and sages lived and practiced yoga here. Rishikesh represents
the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.

Tapovan on the other bank of the
Ganges houses a temple to Lakshmana. It is believed that
Lakshmana carried out penances here. It is also believed
that his brother Bharata meditated here, and there is a
temple to Bharata here. Also seen here are the Swargashram
and the Geeta Bhavan Temples.

The Lakshman Jhula, a 450 feet long
suspension bridge was built in 1939. A newer bridge the Ram
Jhula has been added recently. The freshness of the air,
and sound of flowing water, the scenic beauty of the region
and the distant sound of bell chimes create an unforgettable
experience for those that visit this ancient pilgrimage town.

12 km away from
Rishikesh is located the Nilkanth Mahadeo Temple at a
height of about 5000 feet, commanding spectacular views of the
region.

Prime Attractions

Laxman Jhoola 5 kms north of Rishikesh, is the spot where Sri Laxman, is
said to have performed Tapa. The Laxman temple was built in
his memory. Till 1889, there was just a hanging jute ropeway
without pillars. The same structure was, later, rebuilt with
iron ropes.

Ram Jhoola
This is the other pedestrian bridge that crosses the Ganga
River. It is downstream of Laxman Jhoola and is much wider.
Again, motor scooters, bicycles, and cows are allowed to
cross, but the bridge's greater width makes it safer to cross.
You won't find monkeys here. Ram Jhoola (the town) is much
nicer and safer than Laxman Jhoola. The restaurants are better
and the streets are cleaner.

Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is a bathing spot, on the bank of the river Ganga,
where devotees take holy dips and offer prayers. Daily, in the
morning and in the evening, thousands take bath here and enjoy
the 'Maha Aarti' being performed. It is very soothing to sit
on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the
river.

Bharat Mandir
The oldest temple in Rishikesh - the black statue of Vishnu,
here, is supposed to have been consecrated by Sri
Sankaracharya, in the 9th century. The event is commemorated,
during Vasant Panchami, to mark the onset of spring.

Other Attractions

Rishikund
Close to Trivenighat is the most ancient place, the Rishikund.
Ancient records relate this to Kubz Saint, who was blessed by
the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its water. The
pond reflects the temple of Ragunath, dedicated to Lord Rama
and Goddess Sita.

White Water Rafting
The challenge of violent rivers is no less than that of the
rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the
source of some of India's mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable
streams, they race along tortuous boulder-strewn beds, cutting
deep gorges and breaking into silvery-white rapids.

Gita Bhavan
This newly constructed building is famous for its attractive
paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just
across the Lakshman Jhula.

Kids' spirograph Creations
Available in Ramjhula, east side and perpetuate the survival
of a great old Toy.

Massage Center
You can enjoy an ayurvedic, Swedish, or shiatsu full body
massage in a dark and cool room with space-age music.

Aarti Ceremony
At Triveni Ghat, on the south end of Rishikesh, takes place at
the sundown. Those who are sticking around can enhance their
stay by taking music lessons, learning to play the dedgeridoo
from the shop in Rishikesh or the Tabla or Sitar from the
Sivananda Ramesh Music School; turn left at the sign on the
far side of the bridge on Laxmanjhula Road.

Excursions

Dehradun
Beyond the gardens amidst the low hill guarding the city lies the
old pilgrim centre of Galtaji. Temples, pavilions and holy 'kunds'
(natural springs and reservoirs) dot the serene green landscape.
The small temple of the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on top of
the highest peak, is visible form all parts of the city.

White Water Rafting
The challenge of violent rivers is no less than that of the rugged
mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some
of India's mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable streams, they race
along tortuous boulder-strewn beds, cutting deep gorges and
breaking into silvery-white rapids.

Haridwar
Gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region, is
located on the foot hills of Shivaliks.

Mussoorie
The queen of hill stations.

Chila
It is just 20 kms from Rishikesh. The whole place is covered with
forests and provides very pleasant environment. Government has
declared Chila a sanctuary. A canal from Ganga feeds the reservoir
where one can spot many animals. One can stay at the tourist lodge
and enjoy the peaceful scenic surroundings.

Kunjapuri
Close to Narendra nagar, situated at 7000 ft this place is covered
with dense forests. From here one can get a glimpse of the peaks
and valleys.

Valley of Flowers
The famous Valley of Flowers with the largest concentration of
various species of wild flowers is off the Rishikesh-Badrinath
road, 16 km from Govindghat.

Narendra Nagar
15 kms on the Rishikesh Chamba road is located the historical town
of Narendra nagar. This town is of archaeological importance. The
town was built by the King of Tehri Narendra Singh. Narendra nagar
has recorded many events which have left their impact on the town.
The Royal palace is worth seeing and the huge magnificent Nandi
bull cannot escape your attention.

Auli
One of the well established Sports Circuit of the state of Uttar
Pradesh. With their wide open spaces above the snowfields of
Garhwal and Kumaon, the place offers an exciting possibility - ski
touring amongst the glaciers. The cross-country runs of 10-20 km
with added advantage of fresh powder snow from crisscrossing
streams, tearing down the snowlines of the European Alps.

Devprayag
The rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirath leave the mountains and merge
at this place. From here they get the name Ganga. A peaceful holy
place. It has got the ancient Raghunathji Temple.

Shopping and General Info

Shopping

The main shopping centres in the
city are at :

Dehradun Road

Haridwar Road

Ghat Road

Railway Road

The city centre also has some State Emporia.

Rishikesh is also a good place to pick up a
rudraksha mala, the strings of beads used in Puja (offerings)
made from the nuts of Ridraksh Tree. Price range begins around
at Rs.75, with beads of smaller nuts commanding higher prices.

On the eastern side of the river, in the
Swarg Ashram area, one comes across dozens of stalls selling
devotional accoutrements such as prasad, scriptural booklets,
and cassettes as well as shawls and ayurvedic medicines made
from herbs collected from the Himalaya at the Mahesh Yogi
Ayurvedic Centre, on Lakshman Jhula Road, opposite the pathway
up to Yoga Niketan Ashram. Mukesh at Jungle Vibes sells
hand-made didgeridoos.

The Main Bazaar in Rishikesh toward the
river from the post office, has various knick-knacks. There is
didgeridoo shop near the main State Bank Of India branch.
Laxmanjhula is the place for video and audio. Hare Krishna
audio tapes and small ceramic linga ashtray, while Ramjhula is
the place for books on yoga and religion and for ayurvedic
medicine.